Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Galle fort, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onward. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 423 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.

The fort has a colourful history, and today has a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population.The Sri Lankan government and many Dutch people who still own some of the properties inside the fort are looking at making this one of the modern wonders of the world.The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site under criteria iv, for its unique exposition of "an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

Galle Fort is in Galle, which is located at the extreme southwest corner of the island, in the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, where the shoreline turns east towards Matara and Tangalle. The fort, like most of the forts in Sri Lanka, is built on a small rocky peninsula, belonging to the sea as much as to the land. As it exists today, it covers an area of 52 hectares (130 acres).There are many tourist attractions are situated in Galle

Galle Fort

Galle Beach

Galle harbor

Church in Galle fort

A mosque in Galle fort

Light house

Rumassala - Jungle Beach

Unawatuna

Madowl doouwa
Highway A2 provides road links to Galle from Colombo (a distance of 113 kilometres (70 mi)) and the rest of the country along the west coast or from the east along the south coast. Since 2012 an expressway has linked Galle to Colombo. Rail links are also available to Colombo and Matara. Sea route is through the Galle Port at the Galle Harbour.

The view from the ramparts

Leyn Baan Street leads down to the seafront ramparts, where you’ll find the florid Meeran Jumma Mosque, at the heart of Galle’s Muslim quarter, and the town’s picturesque old lighthouse. From here, you can walk all the way around the town’s well-preserved old stone and coral ramparts, which offer breezy sea views on one side and picturesque panoramas of the red-tiled rooftops of Galle Fort on the other. It’s particularly popular towards dusk, when half the town seems to come here to admire the spectacular sunsets, play games of cricket, or smooch under umbrellas.

Some of the important heritage monuments in the fort are the Dutch Reformed Church, with its

historic belfry dated 1707 and cast in 1709, which rang every hour the old Dutch government house; the residence of the Commander; Great Warehouse near the Old Gate, built around 1669 to store spices and ship equipment (which now houses the National Maritime Museum); the Old Dutch Hospital; the Meera Mosque built in 1904; the Buddhist temple built at the site of Portuguese Roman Catholic church; the All Saints Anglican Church built in 1871; the 1882 Clock Tower and the 1939 Galle Lighthouse.

Groote Kerk (Dutch
Reformed Church)

The Groote Kerk (Dutch Reformed Church) was built in 1640. However, it was remodeled between 1752 and 1755. The church is paved with grave stones from the old Dutch cemetery. There is an old organ of 1760 vintage in the church where services are held and a pulpit made of calamander wood from Malaysia is used.

Most of the street names are a legacy from the colonial period, including Pedlar Street or ‘Moorse Kramerstraat’, the Moorish pedlar (or peddler) street, named after the Muslim moors who were retailers along with chettis; Lighthouse Street or ‘Zeeburgstraat’ or ‘Middelpuntstraat’ named after the lighthouse which was destroyed in a fire in 1936; Hospital Street, the location of the Dutch Hospital, the house of the Surgeon and the Medical Garden; Leyn Baan Street or ‘Leyenbahnstraat’, the Old Rope-Walk Street, where coir rope was made; Church Street, named after a church which was demolished in the 7th century and also the location of the Dutch Reformed Church and All Saints Church; Parawa Street, named after the Parawa migrants from South India who were fishermen and traders; and Chando Street named after the toddy tappers and Dutch Burghers who owned coconut gardens and small ark distilleries.

The breadfruit tree was introduced in Galle first by the Dutch; reputedly the oldest breadfruit tree in Sri Lanka can be found at Akersloot Bastion in Galle Fort.It is believed that the Dutch introduced breadfruit which is of ‘heaty’ nature hoping that would either kill them or make them sick. However, the Sri Lankans found a neutralizer to this in the coconut tree. They mixed breadfruit with coconut and evolved a delicacy, which became popular, as it was found tasty and nourishing. This tree is now grown across Sri Lanka.

The fort area is occupied by mostly artists, writers, photographers, designers and poets of foreign origin and is now a mixed bag of boutiques, hotels and restaurants.

Galle Lighthouse

Galle Lighthouse (also known as Pointe de Galle Light) is an onshore Lighthouse in Galle, Sri Lanka and is operated and maintained by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

This is Sri Lanka's oldest light station dating back to 1848 but the original 24.5 meters (80 ft) high lighthouse built by the Britishwas located about 100 metres (330 ft) from the current site, however it was destroyed by fire in 1934.The existing 26.5 meters (87 ft) high light house was erected here in 1939.The original light was furnished with a glass prism lens floating in a bath of mercury (to reduce friction) and was powered by a weight driven machine.

The light station is within the walls of the ancient Galle Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site and well known tourist attraction.The lighthouse is strategically located at the southern end of the promontory, built approximately 6 metres (20 ft) above the road level on the ramparts, at what is known as the Point Utrecht Bastion, giving it full view of any ships entering Galle Harbour.

Friday, October 16, 2015

Cocobay, Unawatuna has
won 4 Trip Advisor awards within the first year of service after opening in
early 2013.The 4 prestigious awards are “Travellers Choice 2014”,”Hotels with
exceptional service”, “Hotels for romance” and “Small hotels – Sri Lanka”

These
awards are in recognition of the outstanding location, top boutique quality up
market rooms, The restaurant located right on the beach with a view of Galle
Fort, exceptional quality service and the cuisine.The intimate and informal
ambiance makes it an attractive destination for honeymooners and other couples
too.

Managing
Director Vinodh de Silva and the Resident Manager Reny de Silva having an
experience of more than 35 years in the field of hospitality said that the
country’s tourism industry is flourishing day by day. The present government is
in a fast track of development which creates a friendly environment to the
travel and tourism industry. Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has succeeded to
attract more and more investor’s .So there is no doubt about the future of this
field.

The
Cocobay is located on the quiet side of Unawatuna in a secluded private beach
with a view of the historic Galle Fort which is a UNESCO Heritage Site across
the Indian Ocean.The sea during the season is ideal for sea bathing even for
children and a great place for light surfing for beginners.

The
Japanese temple peace pagoda and the pristine Jungle Beach is just a few minute
walk from the resort .

La
Mer Restaurant
is located right on the beach with the Indian Ocean at your feet and
spectacular sunsets .They use the freshest of ingredients to ensure the finest
quality of Mediterranean Cuisine. Seafood is delivered daily from the
surrounding fishing village while herbs and salads are brought in from the
highland.

Guests
can unwind in Unawatuna’s premier lounge bar Chill Out which is warmly furnished
to capture your mood in the comfort of AC. It is an ideal place to relax and
socialize in a warm atmosphere with a great selection of cocktails, brews,
spirits, exclusive handpicked wines, icy tangy fresh juices and light snacks. Cocobay
offers a range of five types of luxury accommodation all with a unique view of
the Indian Ocean.The hotel also offers free yoga lessons, snorkeling, walk to
the Jungle Beach and other activities to compliment your stay. A special
feature at the Cocobay is the soap menu and the pillow menu in addition to
specially designed amenities

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Greeted by the sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean,
your relaxation begins as soon as you arrive at the Coco Bay Unawatuna.

This Boutique resort in south Sri Lanka ensures a matchless Experience with its
obliging concierge and a breath taking view of the ocean with its own private
beach and spectacular location to make your holiday in Sri Lanka a dream come
true.

We look forward to seeing you at our own little corner of paradise in
Unawatuna, with our Coco Bay signature welcome drink; a delicious combination
of pineapple, lime, ginger and mint aroma completing with a sweet flavor of
honey providing the ultimate refreshing experience.

Certificate of Service is excellence 2017

HONEYMOON PACKAGES

Certificate of Excellence

Certificate of Service is excellence 2016

Certificate of Service is excellence 2015

Certificate of Excellence - La Mer Resturent

Certificate of Excellence 2014 Winner

About Me

Unawatuna is a picturesque fishing village close to Galle and a major tourist attraction in Sri Lanka , famous for its stunning coastline and corals. It is a suburb of Galle, about 3 kilometres southeast to the city center and approximately 108 kilometres south of Colombo.

Located on the quieter side of the famed Unawatuna beach away from the hustle & bustle of the main tourist strip, the Coco Bay offers you a quiet and serene atmosphere with catamarans dotting the early morning sea, monkeys on trees and crabs on the beach to keep you company. It is in close proximity to some of the most amazing sightseeing locations in Sri Lanka.

The stunning Coco Bay provides a magnificent view of the Galle fort overlooking the swaying palm trees and stunning sunsets. It is also located a few minutes away from the amazing Galle fort , a Unesco World Heritage site with its vibrant shops, bars and restaurants for a quick stroll down these exciting cobble stoned streets.

Coco Bay offers guests experience that is intimate and personalized while providing the highest level of service. Each room is uniquely designed with an amazing sea view from several angles even while enjoying a bath in the jacuzzi. The spacious balconies are ideal for sipping your evening cocktails while watching the magical sun sets, furnished with comfortable day beds and other designer furniture . Certain elements characterize them all — a beautiful natural location, outstanding facilities, exceptional service and a small number of rooms to ensure exclusivity and privacy at an affordable price.